Estonia Seeks NATO Consultation After Russian Jets Violate Airspace!

Estonia Seeks NATO Consultation After Russian Jets Violate Airspace!

Sele Media Africa
www.selemedia.org
Reported by Amos Dachung – Sele Media Africa Reporter

Tallinn, Estonia — Estonia has formally requested consultations under Article 4 of the NATO Treaty after three Russian MiG‑31 jets entered its airspace without authorization. The aircraft, which flew without flight plans, had their transponders turned off, and remained in Estonian airspace for about 12 minutes near Vaindloo Island over the Gulf of Finland. According to Estonian authorities, this breach marks the fourth violation of its airspace by Russian military aircraft in 2025. [1]

Key Details

• The incursion by the Russian jets was met with a swift response from NATO’s Baltic Air Policing Mission. Italian F‑35s flew to intercept the aircraft and forced them out of Estonia’s airspace. [2]
• Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal described the violation as “totally unacceptable,” while Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna called it “unprecedentedly brazen.” [3]
• The jets reportedly did not communicate with Estonian air traffic control and lacked required flight plans. Their transponders were switched off. [1]

Reactions & Significance

• Estonia summoned the Russian charge d’affaires and issued a formal protest over the incident. [1]
• Estonia’s government says the Article 4 request aims to ensure the issue is discussed at the highest levels within NATO, including possible strategic responses. [3]
• The violation continues a pattern of airspace incursions by Russia, particularly over Baltic states, raising concerns among NATO members about security on the alliance’s northeastern flank. [4]

What is Article 4

• Article 4 allows any NATO member to call on the alliance for consultations when it perceives its territorial integrity, political independence or security is threatened.
• It does not automatically trigger a military response (unlike Article 5), but is a serious diplomatic tool used for raising the alarm, coordinating allies, and considering collective responses. [3]

Sele Media Africa will continue to follow this story as NATO responds and as regional diplomatic tensions develop.

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

editor

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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